A Guide to Mock Meats

Just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you won't still have an occasional craving for a crispy BLT or juicy pulled pork sandwich. The promise for better health has a growing number of people adopting vegan and vegetarian diets, which means there are more meat-free alternatives than there used to be. But it can sometimes be tricky to turn them into meals that taste great. That's why we got creative with meat alternatives to recreate some classic dishes — including lentil-mushroom meatballs, nut meat tacos and even a mushroom "bacon" — that will sate your comfort food cravings while remaining totally vegetarian.

Lentil-Mushroom Meatballs

These uber savory meatballs are packed with tons of ingredients with glutamate, the compound responsible for umami flavor. Lentils, onions, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce and nutritional yeast all play their part in making these vegan meatballs taste meaty. Plus they are full of protein and fiber.

Mushroom Bacon

Caramelized, crispy mushrooms take on the meaty flavor of bacon in this recipe. Put a few slices on toasted bread with sliced tomato and crisp lettuce for a vegetarian BLT. Or, serve alongside a bowl of oatmeal for a great breakfast to jumpstart your day.

Nut Meat Tacos with Pickled Red Onions

These simple meatless tacos with nuts and sundried tomatoes are a unique twist on the classic weeknight meal, but still deliver traditional taco flavor with spicy chili powder and smoky paprika. Top with pickled red onions, vegan cotija cheese and fresh cilantro for a dish you and your family will love.

Vegan Pinto Bean Breakfast Sausage

These meatless, bean-packed sausages taste just like the real thing, and they're full of fiber — 5 grams per link, to be exact. Serve them with avocado toast and fresh tomato for a well-rounded, meat-free breakfast.

Vegan "Pulled Pork" Sliders

The pulled pork in these vegan sliders is made from mushrooms that have been slowly roasted in a marinade of molasses and spices. Slap them on a slider roll, top with some creamy vegan coleslaw and enjoy.

Vegan Sunflower Seed Tuna Salad

This vegan take on a deli classic uses soaked sunflower seeds two ways: in place of the tuna and the mayonnaise. With bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs and a little crunch from fresh celery and shallots, you won't miss the fish in this satisfying salad.